Investment scams
Investment scams are rising, with criminals posing as entrepreneurs or representatives of legitimate companies. They often promise high returns, encourage small initial deposits, and show fake profits to convince you to invest more. Once they have enough of your money, they stop responding and disappear.
Common signs of an investment scam:
- Little or no online information about the company or opportunity.
- Being asked to switch communication to WhatsApp instead of SMS or phone.
- Promises that any loan you take out will be easily repaid through investment “profits”.
- Encouragement to open a new bank account specifically for the investment.
- Requests for remote access to your device via tools such as AnyDesk.
- Claims that a loan can be “written off” using inside contacts or falsified documents.
Before investing, always check whether the company is legitimate—verify their regulatory status on the FCA Register or search for them on Companies House.
Mark’s Story: A Real Example of an Investment Scam
“I thought I was about to change my family’s future…”
Mark, 41 — Delivery Driver
How It Began
Mark had been speaking online with someone who appeared genuine — friendly, patient, and knowledgeable. Over time, this person made him feel like he’d been given access to an exclusive opportunity that most people would never hear about. They assured him that the loan company was “part of it” and claimed they had “someone on the inside”. They promised that once the money landed, the returns would be so strong that any concerns would quickly disappear.
How the Scam Took Hold
The manipulation was subtle but powerful. The scammers didn’t simply encourage Mark to apply for credit; they actively coached him. They told him exactly how to describe the reason for the loan and what he should say if he was asked to explain his spending. Every detail was rehearsed with him, and every doubt he expressed was dismissed with calm reassurance.
Mark remembered seeing warnings about scams in the past, but he pushed those concerns aside because he didn’t want to believe something that sounded so good could be untrue. As he later said, “I had my head in the sand… I didn’t want the truth to be the truth.”
The Moment Everything Changed
When the loan was approved, the tone shifted instantly. Within seconds, Mark received a message telling him to send the money right away because “the window was closing.” Feeling the pressure, he transferred the full amount.
What followed was a familiar pattern in scams of this nature. The quick responses slowed to a trickle. Then they stopped altogether. By the next morning, every number he had been given was disconnected, and every online account linked to the scam had disappeared.
The Reality Mark Faced
Standing in his kitchen and looking at his banking app, Mark felt sick as the truth settled in. The loan he had taken out was very real — but the investment opportunity never existed. There was no insider helping him and no high‑return scheme waiting for his money. Everything had been scripted to win his trust.
“They made me believe I was part of something special,” he said. “Now I’m paying off a loan for money I never saw again.”
What Customers Should Know
Investment scammers are increasingly targeting people who are looking to improve their financial situation. They don’t just go after savings — they often push people to borrow money, to act quickly, and to ignore the instinct that something isn’t quite right. Mark’s experience is far from unique; it reflects a common pattern used by fraudsters who rely on pressure, secrecy, and emotional manipulation.
If you ever feel rushed, pressured to borrow, encouraged to hide information, or promised guaranteed high returns, take a moment to pause and speak to someone you trust. A legitimate opportunity will never require secrecy or urgent decisions.